ProbarGOLD- Free

WOMAN SHOT HER BLIND HUSBAND AS HE SLEPT

New UK|September 04, 2023
Following a peaceful family dinner, Dale Vella focused a loaded gun on her sleeping partner's eye - and pulled the trigger
- GAIL SHORTLAND
WOMAN SHOT HER BLIND HUSBAND AS HE SLEPT

The rural property tucked behind tall pine trees in Murrumbateman in New South Wales was the home of Dale and Mark Vella. Their 22-year-old daughter, Georgia, lived in a converted stable block nearby. Dale, 54, and Mark had been married for 23 years. A degenerative eye condition had left 52-year-old Mark legally blind, although he could see well enough to work as a farmer.

Life hadn't been easy for the pair, who had struggled with finances over the years. They had lost a daughter to brain cancer when she was only three, and Dale had undergone a double mastectomy and chemotherapy after developing breast cancer.

Monday 9 August, 2021, was a regular day on the farm. One of the family dogs had gone missing and Dale and Georgia had ridden around on a quad bike until it was found. The firewood was stacked, and that evening the family sat down to dinner with David Borg, Mark's lifelong friend who lived with them. 

Mark had cooked, as he often did, but Dale seemed to be off her food and told her daughter she wasn't feeling well. After watching TV, the household went to bed.

At about 10pm, David was woken by a loud bang which was followed by a pounding on his bedroom door. It was Dale. "I've shot him," she shouted. "I was going to shoot myself but I shot him."

She urged David to call the emergency services, which he did as he ran to rouse. Georgia. Their conversation was recorded, when he connected to the operator.

"Your mum's shot your dad," he told her. Georgia thought David was joking and took the phone from him, only to realise that a dispatcher was at the other end dealing with the emergency.

She began to sob on reaching the house, and screamed when she saw her father lying on the bed with a gunshot wound to his head. "Oh my God," she cried. "Why did you do this?"

Esta historia es de la edición September 04, 2023 de New UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 04, 2023 de New UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NEW UKVer todo
"I was a bit irritating when I was single"
New UK

"I was a bit irritating when I was single"

Former Love Islander Chloe Burrows on meeting her new man and delving into dating for her documentary

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
THE SUNBURN FACTOR
New UK

THE SUNBURN FACTOR

With many Brits forgetting daily sun protection and putting their skin at risk of damage, it could be time to step up your SPF game

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
A PIECE OF CAKE!
New UK

A PIECE OF CAKE!

Treat yourself to these quick and easy bakes

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
'The fans deserved a different ending'
New UK

'The fans deserved a different ending'

After their big comeback and a sell-out tour, the Sugababes are riding high once again

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
’I WAS A MASSIVE CORRIE FAN'
New UK

’I WAS A MASSIVE CORRIE FAN'

Coronation Street's Cait Fitton on her role as troubled Lauren and making her childhood dream come true

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
'I wished that 7/7 had killed me'
New UK

'I wished that 7/7 had killed me'

Traumatised after surviving the London bombings, Dan Biddle wanted to end it all, but a mistake led him to find love

time-read
5 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
Meghan is TV gold'
New UK

Meghan is TV gold'

Following the release of the Sussexes' controversial video, a PR expert speaks to new about rumours of a royal reality show

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
Coleen fears a rift like Posh's
New UK

Coleen fears a rift like Posh's

Kai Rooney has a girlfriend - and mum Coleen dreads her son growing distant from her, as Brooklyn Beckham has to Victoria, a source tells new

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
"This isn't sex work it's healing"
New UK

"This isn't sex work it's healing"

Opening up to new about her controversial work, sex surrogate therapist Lily explains the impact of the TV show Virgin Island

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025
'I've got everything want now I have Gigi'
New UK

'I've got everything want now I have Gigi'

Reality star Charlotte Dawson introduces new to her baby daughter and tells us about life as a mum-of-three

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 23, 2025

Usamos cookies para proporcionar y mejorar nuestros servicios. Al usan nuestro sitio aceptas el uso de cookies. Learn more